MSI GT80 Titan gaming notebook has an integrated mechanical keyboard

Notebook keyboards typically aren’t that great. Even some of the best on the market can’t hold a candle to a quality desktop keyboard which is something MSI is hoping to change on its latest gaming notebook, the GT80 Titan.

If you’re the type that prefers a mechanical keyboard, the GT80 Titan will be right up your alley as that’s exactly what it includes.

As the world’s first gaming laptop with a mechanical keyboard, the GT80 Titan features an integrated SteelSeries gaming keyboard with Cherry Brown MX switches which offer a light, tactile, non-clicky feel. It uses a standard keycap with 27mm of thickness – impressive when you consider this is also the world’s slimmest and lightest 18-inch gaming notebook (it’s 17 percent thinner and 22 percent lighter than its closest competitor, MSI claims).

You’ll notice right away that this isn’t any ordinary notebook as the keyboard has been relocated to the bottom half of the deck area. The number pad on the right side also doubles as a touchpad with click buttons below according to an MSI rep.

I've been told the GT80 Titan should be available early next year and will be showcased at CES in January. Unfortunately, that's the only information MSI can provide at this point.

In the meantime, what do you think of the keyboard position and layout? To me, it seems extremely “different” as I’m used to seeing the keys positioned higher up on the deck to make room for a touchpad.